re likely to serve you than
the member; for, provided you can entertain him with politics and
conundrums, you may have credit with him for as many and as rich clothes
as you please." I told him, I was utterly ignorant of both, and so
incensed at Cringer's usage, that I would never set foot within his door
again.

After a good deal more conversation, my new acquaintance and I parted,
having made an appointment to meet next day at the same place; in
order to set out for the city. I went immediately to Strap and related
everything which had happened, but he did not at all approve of my being
so forward to lend money to a stranger, especially as we had already
been so much imposed upon by appearances. "However," said he, "if you
are sure he is a Scotchman, I believe you are safe."

CHAPTER XVI

My new acquaintance breaks an appointment--I proceed, by myself, to
the Navy Office--address me to a person there, who assists me with
advice--write to the Board, they grant me a letter to the Surgeons at
the Hall--am informed of the beau's name and character--find him--he
makes me his confidant in an amour--desires me to pawn my linen for his
occasions--recover what I lent him--some curious observations on Strap
on that occasion--his vanity.

In the morning I rose and went to the place of rendezvous, where
I waited two hours in vain, and was so exasperated against him for
breaking his appointment, that I set out for the city by myself, in
hope of finding the villain, and being revenged on him for his breach of
promise. At length I found myself at the Navy Office, which I entered,
and saw crowds of young fellows walking below, many of whom made no
better appearance than myself. I consulted the physiognomy of each, and
at last made up to one whose countenance I liked, and asked, if he could
instruct me in the form of the letter which was to be sent to the Board
to obtain an order for examination? He answered me in broad Scotch, that
he would show me the copy of what he had writ for himself, by direction
of another who know the form, and accordingly pulled it out of his
pocket for my perusal; and told me that, if I was expeditious, I might
send it into the Board before dinner, for they did no business in the
afternoon. He then went with me to coffee-house hard by, where I wrote
the letter, which was immediately delivered to the messenger, who told
me I might expect an order to-morrow about the same time.

Having transacte